Grand Theft Auto (1997) is where the legendary Rockstar franchise began. Returning to the original top-down classic on PC or DOS is a nostalgic blast, but it can also be notoriously difficult. Fortunately, the developers left in plenty of cheats to help you cause maximum chaos.
Whether you want infinite lives, every weapon in the game, or to simply turn off the cops, I’ve got you covered. Here is the complete list of GTA 1 cheat codes for PC and exactly how to use them.
How to Enter Cheat Codes in GTA 1 (PC/DOS)
Activating cheat codes in the original Grand Theft Auto is different from modern titles like GTA V. You don’t type them during active gameplay or use an in-game cell phone. Instead, you enter them directly at the character selection screen.
- Launch the game and navigate to the Character Selection / Name Entry screen.
- Press the [Delete] key to clear the current character name.
- Type any of the cheat codes listed below into the name field and press [Enter].
- If you typed the code correctly, you will hear the sound of a revving engine confirming the cheat is active.
Pro Tip: You can activate multiple cheats at once! Simply enter a code, listen for the revving engine, press [Delete], and enter the next one. When you are done entering cheats, you can delete the final code and type whatever player name you actually want to use—the cheats will remain active for your session.
Complete GTA 1 PC Cheat Codes List
Here are all the essential cheat codes you need to dominate Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| SUCKMYROCKET | Gives you all weapons, full armor, and a “Get Out of Jail Free” card right from the start. |
| ITCOULDBEYOU | Awards you 9,999,999 points instantly. |
| ITSTANTRUM | Grants infinite lives. |
| 6031769 | Alternative code for infinite lives. |
| ITSGALLUS | Unlocks all levels/cities. |
| NINEINAROW | Alternative code to unlock all levels. |
| SUPER WELL | A third alternative code to unlock all levels. |
| IAMTHELAW | Disables your wanted level (No Police). |
| STEVESMATES | Alternative code for no police. |
| BUCKFAST | Enables the weapon drop. (Press * on the Numpad during gameplay to get all weapons). |
| CALLMENIGEL | Alternative code for the weapon drop cheat. |
| HATEMACHINE | Activates a 10x point multiplier. |
| HEARTOFGOLD | Activates 10x multiplier and unlocks FMV video sequences. |
How to Use the Secret Debug Mode
For players who want total, behind-the-scenes control over the game, GTA 1 includes a hidden developer debug mode.
To activate it, go to the character name screen, type PORKCHARSUI, and press [Enter].
Once you load into the game with debug mode active, you can press the following keyboard keys to manipulate the game world:
- C: Displays your current coordinates, speed, and vehicle damage status.
- Numpad * : Instantly grants all weapons with maximum ammunition.
- F12: Restarts the current level immediately.
- Numpad 8 / 2 / 4 / 6: Pans the camera up, down, left, and right around the map.
- Home: Centers the camera view back on your character.
- R: Refreshes the screen mode.
Enjoy taking over the retro streets with these classic codes! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to bookmark my site for more retro gaming guides and cheat codes.